Guest testimonials
We are lucky enough to say this wasn´t our first stay at Viola! It has become a home away from home for us and we love every minute we´re here. Hopefully we will be back again! Thank you all!
A beautiful house and surroundings. We couldn´t have wished for better. Superb weather, long lunches on the terrace and by the pool. Enjoyed Sunday lunch at The White Hart in Somerton. Many thanks to Sharon for all her kindness and assistance. We all have great memories of a wonderful week! We couldn´t have wished for better!
Thank you so much for the most wonderful stay. This is a very special place and we enjoyed every moment. A big thank you to the house team for all that you did to make us feel so comfortable.
The house is lovely, surroundings are tranquil and calming. I loved my stay! This was the perfect staycation. Thanks for everything, it’s a beautiful home.
We came to celebrate a 5th birthday and we had the most incredible, fabulous weekend. Sharon is wonderful and couldn´t have been more helpful, welcoming, and friendly. We would love to return! Thank you!
The property was beautiful and the property manager was very helpful, knowledgeable and approachable. The house had everything we needed for a relaxing stay including an extremely well-stocked pantry and a wide array of kitchen utensils.
It was an excellent and memorable weekend. I am very happy that all went so smoothly without accidental mishaps. We particularly wanted to praise Home Table Dining for providing in-house catering, the service and food were outstanding. We look forward to returning in the future.
Peaceful perfection! Viola is a truly wonderful home, you could not ask for more. The soft mattresses and linens make bedtimes just as exciting as the day time! Well, almost! We spent time dipping between the warmth of the Jacuzzi and the fresh, cleansing water of the pool. We raced for hours on the F1 simulators, snuggled in front of a film with the fire crackling and strolled around the beautiful gardens with morning coffee before retreating back to the best kitchen for the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Absolute bliss!
We cannot recommend Viola enough, it is a wonderful escape for the whole family. We loved every minute and would have stayed another month if we could! The local meat farmers shop, chicken farm up the road and the cider farm provided us with all we required. It is just a fantastic location. Unique Homestays were a delightful company to work with and aided my family to have a really wonderful time away from it all.
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Viola
Butleigh, Glastonbury, Somerset, UK
Up to 12 guests
One well-behaved dog is welcome or two on request
Babies and children are welcome on prior request (please enquire for further details)Between the rolling hills of bucolic Somerset near Glastonbury lies a luxury country house of two wildly different personalities. A Jekyll and Hyde of elegance and chinking chandeliers on one side, and a dark, heart-racing cave where escapism is the name of the game on the other, Viola is a luxury self-catering home to satisfy all. With a heated swimming pool, Formula 1 racing simulators, and a tennis court; this home is hedonism embodied. Read more...
Allows babes in arms
Allows children
One well behaved dog welcome
Wi-Fi
Swimming pool
Hot tub
Cinema room
Games room
Real fire
Tennis court
Sauna
TV
EV charger
Gym
Barbecue
Office
Cot
Highchair
Table tennis
Garden games
Golf simulator
Sound system
Racing simulator- More
Introduction
Settled within 11 acres of pastoral paradise in the quiet Somerset village of Butleigh near Glastonbury, life at this self-catering country home was designed to be fun. While the self-proclaimed “man cave” offers opportunity en masse for thrilling flight and racing simulations, it’s time peacefully spent in the gardens which one remembers forever. A tale of two personalities, the whole family can find an escape tailored for their needs between Viola's walls; mornings spent in slumber, twilight laps of the pool, bracing rural hikes and long, languid time unwinding in the sauna are just the beginning.
Inside
Cream and pastel hues create a natural and calming ambience, while wood beams and chandeliers give this luxe country home a French feel. Viola will entertain all, and while both big and little children in the group will race to get to the F1 simulators first, the rest can take to the cosy cinema room to watch a classic flick. For those who feel most at home in the kitchen, the garden brims with herbs aplenty to add to the dinner pot (or garnish the mojitos!), while six luxury bedrooms offer the sweetest slumber imaginable.
Outside
A sunrise dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool, a glass of red wine as the moon climbs out of the Mendip Hills and a quiet supper for two in the lake house, coy carp gently swishing beneath the surface; there isn’t a single spot within Viola’s grounds which isn’t surrounded in bliss. Row across the lake on lazy afternoons, or head further afield to wander through the diverse National Trust woodlands of Combe Hill. When the light fades, sink into the welcoming Jacuzzi with flutes of chilled, freshly poured Champagne.
There are six bedrooms at Viola, three of which are en suite.
Bedroom One
GROUND FLOOR DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH SUPER KING-SIZE BED
Located opposite the snug on the ground floor of the house, this bedroom has use of the ground floor WC and shower room.
Bedroom Two
FIRST FLOOR DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH SUPER KING-SIZE BED
Climb up the stairs to this first floor bedroom which includes a super king-size bed and en suite shower room.
Bedroom Three
FIRST FLOOR DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH KING-SIZE BED
Complete with rose fermoie headboard and original beams, bedroom three has sole use of the family bathroom next door.
Bedroom Four
FIRST FLOOR DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH SUPER KING-SIZE BED
Also on the first floor is the second super king-size bedroom, which flaunts calming hues and en suite shower room.
Bedroom Five
FIRST FLOOR DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH SUPER KING-SIZE BED
With a standalone roll top bath and original beams, bedroom five enjoys its own bathroom facilities.
Bedroom Six
First floor emperor bedroom
The master suite, with emperor bed, enjoys a luxurious en suite bathroom with separate shower and steam room.
- PricingFrom £10,995 per week, £8,250 per short break for up to 12 guests
An alternative group size of up to 8 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
Day hire options are available - FeaturesSpa Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool (available May- September inclusive), a fully equipped gym, cinema room, a lake, two full motion Formula 1 racing simulators, a foresights sports golf simulator, table tennis and a tennis court
- PetsOne well-behaved dog is welcome or two on request
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyBabies and children are welcome on prior request (please enquire for further details)
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for all guests on site. The well-equipped kitchen includes an Aga with electric oven, fridge-freezer, wine fridge and dishwasher. Dogs are permitted in the downstairs of the house only. External areas of the house are covered by CCTV for safety reasons. Please note that the swimming pool is heated to a minimum of 23 degrees in the warmer months, and a fresher 21 degrees during the cooler months, life jackets are provided. Please ensure that children and pets are supervised at all times due to the various water hazards at the property. Please note that staff members will be on-site regularly to tend to the property and grounds, however, should not disturb your stay. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - Eco-friendlyElectric car charger
- RestrictionsParties considered on prior permission from the owner
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 5pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Nuts
- Olives
- Chutney
- Biscuits
- Local jam
- Homemade cake
- Local cheese selection and biscuits
- Homemade cakes
- Apple juice
- Wine or Ice cider
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Bramley products
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Pool towels
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Firewood and kindling to get you started
- A selection of breakfast and herbal teas
- Ground coffee
- Instant coffee
- Sugar
- Olive oil
- Magazines
- Sonos speakers
- Croquet set
- Board games
- Hairdryer
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
Glastonbury
Known for its legendary five-day music festival and year-round Bohemian spirit, this Somerset idyll set in green pastures is a popular market town with much to offer the visiting guest.
Getting there
- On the map Viola is settled within the quiet village of Butleigh, five miles from Glastonbury.
- By car The property is just under three hours from London and one hour from Bristol.
- By train The closest train station is Castle Cary, which is nine miles or 20 minutes away by car.
- By air Bristol Airport is approximately one hour away by car; Heathrow two hours. Helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds of Viola.
“My wife and I were both born in Butleigh, in fact, in the hospital that used to be next door to Viola. We were obviously destined to be together as we also grew up in the same street in Wells; we married in 1992. ”
After moving to Chewton Mendip, whilst Suzanne was pregnant with our son, we decided it was a great time to start a business. We welcomed our son and a few years later, our daughter and the business fitted perfectly around our growing family which included dogs, cats, chickens, and anything rescued.
We went on to sell our business in 2018, which then meant with the children flying the nest, we were on the lookout for our next adventure and now we’ve found it; introducing Viola.
We are very excited to be back in Butleigh where there is a real sense of community, most of which revolves around some of the best pubs and eateries in the South West. With the spiritual oasis of Glastonbury on the doorstep — yet not too close to hear the bongos — Viola really is a dream come true and the best of both worlds.
Suz and Gary
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Glastonbury. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Do
Yeo Valley Family Farm
The home of Yeo Valley, which has grown from a smallholding into the UK´s number one organic dairy brand, run a programme of activities to give guests a taste of life in the valley, from tours of the farm and garden to hands-on courses.
To See
Cheddar Gorge and Caves
One of Britian´s most spectacular natural landmarks, an impressive gorge with exceptional views and deep pinnacle and stalactite-filled caves. Cheddar Gorge is also home to caving and rock climbing centres, perfect for all ages and abilities.
To Eat
The White Hart
Brimming with stone alcoves and wooden beams, The White Hart is a 16th century coaching inn that sits in the heart of Somerton´s market square. The menu is fresh and local, aiming to demonstrate west country food done right.
To Do
Frome´s Independent Street Market
On the first Sunday of the month between April and December, the town centre of Frome is transformed into a curated, destination street market. Stalls range from artisan food to garden flowers to antiques, designers and more.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Can the swimming pool be heated outside of the advertised dates?
The pool is available from May to September, however use may be possible outside of these dates subject to prior request and an additional fee. Please get in touch for further information.
Why are children welcome on prior request?
Children are welcome on prior request so we have the opportunity to explain the hazards surrounding the unfenced pool area and open lake to parents, prior to a booking being confirmed with a payment. Should you wish to book the property with children in your group, please get in touch.
Below are a selection of features in which Viola and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
Sense of purpose
Country Homes & Interiors
October 2023The Great British House Party
The Telegraph
July 2021Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 20265 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026Broad horizons
Harper´s Bazaar
July 2026The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
Related collections
Britain in Wonderland > Grand gatherings > UK > Somerset > Glastonbury > Viola
